Broadband over powerlines gets spec
21 February 2006
Broadband over powerlines took a step closer to reality on Tuesday as the Open PLC European Research Alliance (OPERA) announced the approval of what it claims is the first open global specification for Powerline Communications (PLC) access.
The specification provides a baseline for both PLC access technology as well as in-building applications - where powerlines are used to extend existing backbone technologies such as fibre to the home - DSL and coaxial.
OPERA - which is supported by the European Union - claims the specification will accelerate mass rollout of high-speed, low-cost, broadband access, voice and audiovisual services, as well as utility applications for control and management operations.
The new specification provides interoperability for non-OPERA technologies by means of a co-existence mechanism - a move OPERA claims will guarantee future versions of its system remain compatible with other technologies.
The specification has the support of the Universal Powerline Association (UPA), a group that includes a number of broadband-over-powerline equipment suppliers.
Technology from Spanish chipmaker, Design of Systems on Silicon (DS2) has also been selected as the baseline for the specification, according to OPERA.
To comment on any articles, please contact us at chatback@telecoms.com or have your say on our blog.
Bookmark this page
